Tragic Italian opera comes to Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Gaetano Donizetti’s tragic 1835 opera, “Maria Stuarda,” is coming to Oklahoma City in a way few American fans have seen: in high-definition, shot at the famed La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy.

Experiencing a true Italian opera in person is tough to beat, but the built-in limitations of a theater ” especially problems with seeing all of the onstage action ” can often hinder the experience. The Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s “Opera in HD” series helps alleviate these issues while offering a unique twist on the standard night at the opera.

“If you haven’t enjoyed a high-definition presentation of opera from Milan’s La Scala, you are in for a real treat,” said Brian Hearn, film curator at the museum. “The subtle camerawork places the audience in the center of the action onstage.”

WESTMINSTERThe two-act opera is set in Westminster Palace, Hearn said, during the sovereignty struggle of Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. Mary is held in prison under charges of attempting to take over the throne in England. After an altercation between the queens and despite an inner struggle, Elizabeth makes a harrowing decision.

Experience tragedy in high-def clarity at 2 p.m. Sunday at the museum, 415 Couch. Now on sale, tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for museum members, students and seniors. For more information, call 278-8237. “Jake Dalton